uses
What is Somavert used for?Somavert (pegvisomant) is commonly used to treat certain types of acromegaly, which is a condition that causes abnormal growth.Somavert may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does Somavert work (mechanism of action)?Acromegaly happens when your body makes too much growth hormone. Somavert works by blocking the effects of growth hormone. This can help treat the symptoms of acromegaly.How is Somavert supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesSomavertDosage forms and strengths10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, or 30 mg single-dose vialsHow should I store Somavert?Somavert Vials. Somavert vials should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). It can be stored at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C) for up to 30 days. Once it has been stored at room temperature, it should not be placed back in the refrigerator. Discard any Somavert that has been stored at room temperature and has not been used within 30 days. Do not freeze it.Sterile Water Prefilled Syringe. Somavert comes with prefilled syringes containing sterile water. The sterile water prefilled syringes can be stored at room temperature up to 86 F (30 C) until the expiration date.
how to use
liquid that is injected under the skin
drug interactions
Does Somavert interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Somavert and foods or drinks.There are no known interactions between Somavert and alcohol.Does Somavert interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Somavert.A medicine for diabetesAn opioid, such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine, or oxycodone, which is a medicine used to treat certain types of painThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Somavert. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Somavert?The most common side effects of Somavert are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.InfectionPainNauseaDiarrheaAbnormal liver testsFlu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle achesPain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection siteThere may be other side effects of Somavert that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Somavert?While less common, the most serious side effects of Somavert are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Somavert may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Somavert and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painLow Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Somavert can cause low blood sugar in people who are taking diabetes medicine, which can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Do not use Somavert and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.HeadacheCrankiness or anxietyHungerDizziness or confusionBlurry visionSlurred speechSweatingFeeling jittery or shakinessFast heartbeatSeizuresLiver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Somavert. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.Nausea or vomitingStomach or belly painFeverWeakness or unusual tirednessItchingLoss of appetiteLight-colored poopDark-colored urine (pee)Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)Skin Changes. Somavert can cause lipohypertrophy, which is a condition that causes lumps of fat or scar tissue to form under your skin where you inject the medicine. Choose a new place on your skin for each injection. This helps prevent lipohypertrophy. Tell your health care provider if you have any swollen lumps under your skin.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Somavert?If you or someone else has used too much Somavert, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Somavert?If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not use double or extra doses. Call your health care provider if you are not sure about your dosing.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Somavert?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Somavert.PegvisomantSomavertAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Somavert products they stock.What should I know about Somavert before using it?Do not use Somavert unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share Somavert with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep Somavert out of the reach of children. As this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.Your health care provider should monitor your blood tests while you are being treated with Somavert. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked.Somavert can cause false readings on a certain blood test for growth hormone levels. Tell your health care provider that you are using Somavert when you have your blood checked.This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Somavert. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.Somavert may make it easier for you to get pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.What should I tell my health care provider before using Somavert?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Somavert is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Liver or kidney problemsDiabetesGallstones or gallbladder problemsOther Medicines and Supplements. Somavert may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Somavert, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Somavert could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if Somavert passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Somavert while breastfeeding.How can I get more information about Somavert?For more information about Somavert, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.somavert.com or call them at 800-645-1280.
about
Somavert is used to treat certain types of acromegaly. It works by blocking the effects of growth hormone. This can help treat the symptoms of acromegaly. Common side effects include nausea, flu-like symptoms, and pain near the injection site. Serious side effects are rare but can include low blood sugar, liver damage, and lumps of fat under the skin where you inject the medicine.